How to plan for workplace emergencies and evacuations

Anybody you ask would be excited about the coming weekend. We as humans always seek luxury. No matter how hard you have had to work, a refreshing sleep on a Sunday morning or a weekender party just about lifts up your spirits. The monotonous cycle back to work continues after you have actually spent your week’s allotted quota of holidays. However, if you did notice, it is the only day you remain household i.e. the only day of a week. The point to note is though all of us love to have rest, we spend the majority of our times actually trying to be able to afford the break. Therefore, it only seems legit to conclude that it is your workplace where you spend most of the productive if not all hours of your days. It isn’t of much importance whether you are the employer or the employee, you have a particularly day-to-day encounter with your workplace and your acquaintances from the same professional background there. Sooner or later, you definitely have a proper relationship with your colleagues at the mates. Considering the greater portion of your time is spent at the office, have you ever thought of having your back covered against the constant threat of fire? If not, rightly do it now, because the ones you know and the property you own is rather more at a risk of fires, than one would expect them to be.

For as we all know, prevention is always better than the cure. There will be no fire that comes with a knock at your door. Hence it is only wise for you to plan beforehand in case such an emergency occurs. The best approach against this would be proper planning of fire emergency procedures and evacuations’ which includes:

• An effective response to an emergency
• Evacuation plans and procedure
• Notifying emergency services
• Testing of emergency procedure

Basic emergency evacuation plans would include firstly an effective response to the urgency, which includes orderly anticipation of possible point of assembly for all of your members or colleagues. Furthermore, if time lets you, notification of emergency conditions should be made to the local authorities provided you are able to make communication. You should be able to have beforehand knowledge of different alternative ways so as to you can choose the best option according to the state of urgency. If you can make this arrangements earlier, it would help to avoid taking up ‘shortcuts’; that are generally not recommended by the personnel.

Aside from remaining prepared for escape routes, one could also make the provision of alarms say automatic smoke detector fire alarms, that can give you that extra minute or second, you may need to save lives you care for. If you actually own the office, it would only benefit you having fire extinguishers, and even putting up a whole emergency evacuation chart so that anyone within your premises can follow the instructions. Moreover, actual trainings or drills should be rehearsed with efficient personnel to know what actually needs to be done in case emergencies.

To conclude, it is only plausible enough to prepare for any unthought-of threats that are present whether in the form of natural calamity or technological disaster. After all evacuations are always more common and usual than previously you expect them to be. Therefore, it never hurts to be ready to have yourself and your acquaintances safe from any misfortune fate has directed upon you unless you have your bases covered by proper enactment of emergency evacuation plans.

General key notes regarding emergency procedures have been listed below:

• Whenever the fire alarm rings, never ignore it.
• Act according to the instructions given by emergency control personnel and evacuate the building immediately. The chain of command has to remain intact.
• Use fire extinguisher to control fires of smaller extent. It is advised to use the PASS module for its optimum use i.e. Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.
• In a fire, do not use a lift to evacuate a building.
• Close the doors as you go-do not lock them for in a fire situation, there can be other survivors behind you.
• Check closed doors for heat before opening.
• Move calmly to the decided evacuation assembly area and do not leave until the all clear.
• Assist disabled workers and visitors present in the site.

The most commonly adopted standard for Emergency Evacuation Plans is Australian Standard AS3745-2010. Technically it is also called as Evacuation Diagram. An emergency plan must be maintained and implemented by the person conducting a business; by law. SPS Fire and Safety can provide to you customized or non-customized fire emergency procedure manuals along with Fire Evacuation Plans to fulfill your legislative requirement. So in order to relieve the tension and turmoil for you, we work hand in hand to ensure your safety in compliance with legislation and standard required. At reasonable prices, we’ve been able to reach vast number of customers and helped people in need. Contact us today if you have any question regarding emergency fire procedures; call us today at 1800 799 147. You may also email us at sps@spsservices.com.au